Talking to Your Doctor About Menopause

You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with menopause. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:

Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.

Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.

Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.

Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Menopause

Should I have an examination to rule out other causes of my symptoms?

Do I need certain tests to assess potential physical problems related to menopause?

What can I expect as I go through menopause?

Where can I get more information about menopause?

About Your Risk of Developing Diseases Related to Estrogen Deficiency

What is my risk of developing osteoporosis? What can I do to decrease my risk?

What is my risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure? What can I do to decrease my risk?

What is my risk of having breast cancer or other cancers? What can I do to decrease my risk?

About Treatment Options

What treatments are available for menopausal symptoms?

What medications might help me?

How long will they take to work?

What benefits can I expect?

What side effects can I expect?

Have you helped other women going through menopause? If not, could you recommend a doctor or gynecologist who specializes in the care of menopausal women?

Do you think I could benefit from counseling? Do you know a counselor who works with women who have issues concerning menopause?

Do you know where I could find a support group for menopause?

Can you explain the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy?

If you decide to try counseling, interview counselors who specialize in midlife women’s issues, including menopause. Ask the following questions:

How much training and experience do you have working with midlife women and menopausal issues?

What is your basic approach to treatment?

How long do I need treatment?

How long and how frequent are the treatment sessions?

What type of health insurance do you accept?

Do you have special fee schedules and sliding scale fees to accompany various financial situations?

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

The menopause years. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq047.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130416T1306377302. Accessed February 27, 2014.

Tips for talking to your doctor. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/healthcare-management/working-with-your-doctor/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor.html. Accessed February 27, 2014.